Christchurch International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Christchurch Airport is about 10 km north-west of the centre: by taxi the transfer takes 15-20 minutes for about 40 New Zealand dollars, while the Metro and Purple Line buses take 30-40 minutes for 7-8.50 dollars. For those staying more than one night the centre, with Cathedral Square and the Avon River within walking distance, is almost always the better choice; sleeping near the terminals makes sense for dawn departures or a short layover of a few hours, when every minute of transfer eats into your sleep.

Christchurch Airport

Airport area · The Commodore Airport Hotel is 1.5 km from the terminal with a free shuttle available 24 hours a day on request (about 5 minutes); LyLo can be reached on foot from the terminal in 10-12 minutes along a flat pedestrian route.

Best for: Departures before 7 and short layovers, when you want to stay a step from check-in.

Pros

Free Commodore shuttle running even in the early morning hours
LyLo can be reached on foot from the terminal, useful for those who don't want to wait for a shuttle

Cons

Only Memorial Avenue and the airport warehouses around: for dinner you stay at the hotel
For an evening in the centre you still need 15-20 minutes by taxi or 30-40 by bus

Recommended hotels in this area

Commodore Airport Hotel Christchurch: At 449 Memorial Avenue, 1.5 km from the terminal with a free shuttle available 24 hours a day on request; indoor pool, tennis court and gym for those with a long layover.
LyLo Christchurch Airport: Hostel-style pod hotel 10-12 minutes' walk from the terminal, on a flat route that also suits suitcases; private pods or beds in shared rooms, designed for those who just want a bed between two flights.

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Cathedral Square and the centre

City centre · 10 km from the airport: taxi 15-20 minutes (about 40 NZD), Metro or Purple Line bus 30-40 minutes (7-8.50 NZD).

Best for: Those who want the post-earthquake rebuilt centre, with Cathedral Square, the tram and the restaurants of New Regent Street within walking distance.

Pros

Cathedral Square, New Regent Street and the historic Christchurch tram within walking distance
Numerous restaurants and the Casino just minutes' walk from the hotels in the area

Cons

No train to the airport: only bus or taxi remain
Some buildings around still bear the marks of the post-earthquake rebuilding

Recommended hotels in this area

Crowne Plaza Christchurch by IHG: At 764 Colombo Street, 3 minutes' walk from Cathedral Square; 204 rooms, the largest upscale hotel in the city centre.
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square: Right on Cathedral Square, 3 minutes' walk from the Isaac Theatre Royal and 6 from the Cashel Street Shopping Area.

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